Chinese businesses reward 4,000 staff with Brisbane trip

Two Chinese businesses will reward 4,000 high-performing staff with a trip to Brisbane this year, proving the city’s growing appeal as a destination for incentive-based business events.

Liaoning Yiyontang Bio-technology will bring 1,500 staff to Brisbane in August while Guangzhou Jiadai Biotechnology will bring 2,500 staff in October.

The groups were secured by the city’s economic development board Brisbane Marketing in partnership with Tourism Australia and Tourism and Events Queensland.

Deputy Mayor Krista Adams said the two businesses represent the largest incentive-based business events to ever come to Brisbane and will generate over $10 million for the local economy.

“Securing these groups demonstrates the collaboration between all levels of government and industry to raise Brisbane’s profile as a destination for employee reward trips,” Cr Adams said.

“China is Brisbane’s largest international visitor market and a major focus as we continue to attract more incentive-based business events to experience our enviable outdoor climate, new hotels and attractions, natural environment, local culture and welcoming people.

“These wins come shortly after Brisbane was announced as the destination for Flight Centre’s Global Gathering in 2020 – another major coup and a sign that Brisbane’s star is rising in the competitive business events space.

“We expect to see more international businesses choose Brisbane for employee reward trips as our tourism industry grows and more airline routes are secured from key international markets.”

While in Brisbane, the groups will explore key attractions including Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Sirromet Winery. Guangzhou Jiadai Biotechnology’s itinerary will also include a conference component at the award-winning Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Federal Minister for Tourism Simon Birmingham said Brisbane was now one of Australia’s most sought-after destinations for international business events.

“It’s expected these two events will inject over $10 million into the local economy. It’s because of the huge economic benefits that the Morrison Government continues to back our Business Events Bid Fund Program,” Minister Birmingham said.

“The knock-on effects of securing incentive trips of this nature will be felt for years to come, with business events travellers known to be more likely to extend their visit to regional areas and return for a holiday in the future.”

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said Queensland is a natural choice for businesses looking for a destination to reward their employees.

“Queensland is an incredible and diverse destination that offers a variety of experiences for visitors to see, do and taste the very best of our state,” Ms Jones said.

“Hosting these business travellers begins a domino effect of businesses turning their attention towards Queensland and solidifying the state as the best destination in Australia for inventive travel.

“Delegates to Brisbane will take delight in exploring our buzzing riverside capital, wedged between the ocean and rugged national parks, providing a close connection with nature, our famous laid-back Queensland attitude and world-class dining experiences.”

Brisbane, Australia, is a thriving multicultural city and successful host of the 2014 G20 Leaders Summit. A global hub in scientific innovation, mining and resources, technology, education, meetings and incentives and cultural attractions, Brisbane is committed to strengthening international trade and commerce.